How low to go for a shield?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,934
Likes: 43
From: Bloomfield, NM
A standard method for choosing a windshield height is as follows:
Sit the bike up and get in riding position. Have someone place a small object, strip of tape, etc. approximately 35' 40' from the front axle of the bike. Measure up from where the windshield goes into the fairing to just where you can see the object. That's how high you need. Since you already have a shield on the bike, just put a mark on the shield to right where you can see the object over the mark, then cut the windshield to that height or buy one that is that height.
This method will usually give you the best protection to vision balance.
Bill
Sit the bike up and get in riding position. Have someone place a small object, strip of tape, etc. approximately 35' 40' from the front axle of the bike. Measure up from where the windshield goes into the fairing to just where you can see the object. That's how high you need. Since you already have a shield on the bike, just put a mark on the shield to right where you can see the object over the mark, then cut the windshield to that height or buy one that is that height.
This method will usually give you the best protection to vision balance.
Bill
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 151
Likes: 3
From: The Rotten Apple
Meanface, I'm also 6'2" and ride a Road King Police. The 22" cop shield works for me in touring mode (w/ big 2-up seat), but I use the 20" stock shield for solo riding (w/ RK Custom seat). This combo works great for me. Occasionally I'll used the 22" in solo mode if I need the extra protection (extended highway or rainy riding).
Thank you for this advice. I'm in the same boat as you. I have a 2-up seat that collects dust in my closet. I'm usually rolling around with a La Pera Bare Bones seat. That's what I do most of my riding on. I'm going to look into a 20" shield.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 103
From: St. Louis, MO
The rule of thumb for a conventional shield is nose high. That way you can look over the top, or slouch and look through it, which will give you the best protection against wind, especially at higher highway speeds. If you are thinking of looks or style over function, bear in mind that wind takes the shortest route. If you chose a low windshield the wind will hit you straight off the top edge.
I have to throw in a plug for Clearview Shields out of Colorado. I've purchased shields from eBay and have the stock HD shields, Clearview's shields are the thickest and best made in my opinion (and good prices with a HD Forum 10% discount if you ask). They don't have that layer of plastic on them like the HD shields have - if you use the wrong cleaner on a HD shield that layer of plastic will start to come off and then the shield is ruined. With the Clearview Shield, I've used windex to get off bugs with good results and no damage to the windshield.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 23,399
Likes: 8,509
From: Spartan Country, Michigan
Another option is to cut your shield down yourself. Painter's tape the shield, trace an outline that mimics your shield or is pleasing to your eye, coping saw to cut, file to smooth, and sand to finish. This foul give you an idea of what you may want before you spend bucks, or maybe just save them!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
This is how I modified my windshield, modelled (whisper it!) on a BMW. Works a treat, especially for Mrs B on the back, reducing buffetting.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 4
From: Lansing, MI
I'm 6'3" and went with a 9" Freedom Shield. I'd recommend either the 8" or 9" for you. You can still see over it and it works great.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 151
Likes: 3
From: The Rotten Apple
GRBrown is right again IMHO. I tried a tall & wide shield on my Springer to try to fix wind up my nose and in my ears the stock small shield caused, but looking through the bug and rain and sometimes foggy shield is no good. I'm going back to a shorter shield.
I have to throw in a plug for Clearview Shields out of Colorado. I've purchased shields from eBay and have the stock HD shields, Clearview's shields are the thickest and best made in my opinion (and good prices with a HD Forum 10% discount if you ask). They don't have that layer of plastic on them like the HD shields have - if you use the wrong cleaner on a HD shield that layer of plastic will start to come off and then the shield is ruined. With the Clearview Shield, I've used windex to get off bugs with good results and no damage to the windshield.
I have to throw in a plug for Clearview Shields out of Colorado. I've purchased shields from eBay and have the stock HD shields, Clearview's shields are the thickest and best made in my opinion (and good prices with a HD Forum 10% discount if you ask). They don't have that layer of plastic on them like the HD shields have - if you use the wrong cleaner on a HD shield that layer of plastic will start to come off and then the shield is ruined. With the Clearview Shield, I've used windex to get off bugs with good results and no damage to the windshield.
Thanks for recommendation, I'll check them out!
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Jul 19, 2011 10:44 AM